CEREMONIAL chains and a “great responsibility” were passed to councillor Jamie Jacobsen as he became Bromyard’s new mayor on Monday evening.

He was voted in unanimously by his fellow councillors and will take over from Jonathan Lester who occupied the position for the full two-years allowed.

Coun Jacobsen, who was born, raised and educated within the town, explained his hopes for his first year occupying the role.

He said: “I’m looking forward to being able to help develop the council complex which we recently purchased. I hope it will be a fine balance between the development of the complex and the best value for council tax payers.

“It’s my aim to reduce the precept for the people of Bromyard once again.”

Coun Jacobsen, who has been a town councillor for four-and-a-half years said he felt a “great responsibility” putting on the mayor’s chains for the first time.

“Jonathan and I have worked very closely together for the last two years and he has been supportive of my bid to become mayor. Hopefully we will continue to work closely together in the future.”

Speaking after the meeting Coun Lester said his proudest moment as mayor came when he led the community against the proposed school closures by Herefordshire Council.

He said: “Being able to witness all the community coming together in such solidarity. Of course I was one of the spokes-people for the community and that was the best thing; to fight for something that was really important.”

Coun Lester advised the new mayor to take his time and do things in his own way.

“Just be careful how he puts the chain on because it can ruin a good suit,” he added.